I heard that Baseball America put out their top prospects for the State of MD. Does anyone know who they are? UNCW's site said that Daniel Cropper was the #1 prospect in the state of Md according to Baseball America. Thanks
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Haven't seen any rankings by state yet. But, I wouldn't argue with Daniel Cropper being #1. He was the best kept secret on the Eastern Shore until a breakout summer with the Monarchs and fall with the Oriolelanders this year.
Cropper is highest ranked player from MD. #92 in the country.
Tell us about this young man. Where does he go to school, etc.? Living on the other end of the state, unfortunately I've never heard of the young gentleman.
Daniel goes to Snow Hill on the Eastern Shore.
I like his demeaner on the mound. He's one of those, give me the baseball type players.
He certainly created a bunch of attention on our bus trip from UNC Charlotte, Elon, and UNC Wilmington.
Al McCormick
http://www.mostvaluableplayer.biz
I like his demeaner on the mound. He's one of those, give me the baseball type players.
He certainly created a bunch of attention on our bus trip from UNC Charlotte, Elon, and UNC Wilmington.
Al McCormick
http://www.mostvaluableplayer.biz
I had a young man this fall who was quite shy. VERY talented though. We went to a tournament where we played against some older competition. After Saturday's games, he came to be in the hotel and said emphatically, "Coach, I WANT to pitch tomorrow morning. I want the rock." I've been advocating that I wanted the players to take this type of attitude into each outing and now the most unlikely player on my roster shocked me with it. I couldn't say no.
To my delight, he threw a fantastic game and got the upset win. I love players like that! They just want to win.
Your story about this young man reminded me of this experience. You just can't measure heart.
To my delight, he threw a fantastic game and got the upset win. I love players like that! They just want to win.
Your story about this young man reminded me of this experience. You just can't measure heart.
Awesome story.....congrats Daniel! His dad and mom are super people (go 'EERS!). Check out the article below for more.
http://www.delmarvanow.com/worcester/stories/20051117/2223392.html
http://www.delmarvanow.com/worcester/stories/20051117/2223392.html
quote:Originally posted by CrusaderDad:
He was the best kept secret on the Eastern Shore until a breakout summer with the Monarchs....
Didn't Bernie 'find' Cropper in the spring
during MSABC Tryouts?
Will Dan be returning to the Monarchs for 2006 summer season?
Regards
Bear
My son received a letter this fall from the Monarchs.Do you know the number of games they play and locations?
Bear,
Don't know where Bernie found Daniel...just glad he did!
Don't know where Bernie found Daniel...just glad he did!
Kss8890,
Don't remember number of games, but they play darn near every day from Memeorial Day weekend through end of July. They played in a wood bat league administered out of Delaware and also fill-in games against local teams from other leagues. They also participated in a local tournament and two major national tournaments.
I think they are changing a few things this year (new league?), but not sure.
Don't remember number of games, but they play darn near every day from Memeorial Day weekend through end of July. They played in a wood bat league administered out of Delaware and also fill-in games against local teams from other leagues. They also participated in a local tournament and two major national tournaments.
I think they are changing a few things this year (new league?), but not sure.
Thanks for the info.
They played in a league we invited them into a couple of years ago. The administrators of the league (in Delaware) have decided not to invite them back because they didn't show for a tournament at the beach, and they missed 3 games (no-showed) that had originally been scheduled.
Larry,
Wasn't that from the previous year? The Monarchs won the tournament at the beach this year and I don't remember not showing up for any games. Of course the only schedule I had is what the coaches handed out. I never saw a league schedule or anything official.
Wasn't that from the previous year? The Monarchs won the tournament at the beach this year and I don't remember not showing up for any games. Of course the only schedule I had is what the coaches handed out. I never saw a league schedule or anything official.
CrusaderDad...I am just going on what the guys in Delaware told me about a month ago. Coach Donovan (Reds) confirms your account however. He said that the no show last season at the tournament at the beach was a miscommunication and unfortunate. He was unaware of any Monarch no-shows during this past season. The guys in Delaware said they got 2 different complaints (a single game and a double header) from teams that the Monarchs didn't show, and then later admitted they had double scheduled for particular days, and forgot to move or cancel the other game. Just going on what they told me.
Nevertheless, the league out of Delaware is disbanding. Ever since the original guy with Grand Slam got hired to scout for the Phillies, the league administration has gone way down hill. The guys in Delaware don't like coming to Maryland on week nights, and want to leave the weekends for showcase tournaments.
I want to reiterate, my original post was based on info. given to me by the league admins.
Good luck this season Monarchs.
Nevertheless, the league out of Delaware is disbanding. Ever since the original guy with Grand Slam got hired to scout for the Phillies, the league administration has gone way down hill. The guys in Delaware don't like coming to Maryland on week nights, and want to leave the weekends for showcase tournaments.
I want to reiterate, my original post was based on info. given to me by the league admins.
Good luck this season Monarchs.
The Maryland Monarchs are the #1 18U Summer Team in Maryland, period.
What more can be said?
regards
Bear
What more can be said?
regards
Bear
That is a preposterous statement!
Let me clarify my last statement. As someone who has actually "managed" at the 18 & under level for 16 years, it is ridiculous for someone to state that a particular program is the #1 team in MD.
In 1998 my club marched through the Baltimore Metro League regular season with a mark of 35-1. We breezed through the Regionals and went on to the NABF World Series. Never for one minute did I think we were the #1 team in MD. Heck...we didn't play everyone in MD. We played a few teams in the BML, and some additional games against out of league opponents.
Mr. Bear states his own opinion, which he is entitled to, as fact. By doing this, he is discounting numerous programs for which he probably has little or no knowledge (ie. Frederick Hustlers, Harford Sox, Maryland O's, Mt. Airy American Legion, etc...).
I could have let his statement go if he had defined what went in to his pronouncement.
Bear...I suggest that someone in your position, someone who loves baseball and makes it his business to have his finger on the pulse of baseball in Maryland, not make such an outrageous and unsupported statement again. It serves no obvious purpose other than to promote your agenda.
Folks, building a championship team is more than recruiting the top 18 players from the All-Metro list. It is about putting together a group of guys who know their roles, play at or above their ability, and have the heart to move forward when things are tough!
In 1998 my club marched through the Baltimore Metro League regular season with a mark of 35-1. We breezed through the Regionals and went on to the NABF World Series. Never for one minute did I think we were the #1 team in MD. Heck...we didn't play everyone in MD. We played a few teams in the BML, and some additional games against out of league opponents.
Mr. Bear states his own opinion, which he is entitled to, as fact. By doing this, he is discounting numerous programs for which he probably has little or no knowledge (ie. Frederick Hustlers, Harford Sox, Maryland O's, Mt. Airy American Legion, etc...).
I could have let his statement go if he had defined what went in to his pronouncement.
Bear...I suggest that someone in your position, someone who loves baseball and makes it his business to have his finger on the pulse of baseball in Maryland, not make such an outrageous and unsupported statement again. It serves no obvious purpose other than to promote your agenda.
Folks, building a championship team is more than recruiting the top 18 players from the All-Metro list. It is about putting together a group of guys who know their roles, play at or above their ability, and have the heart to move forward when things are tough!
Looking at the Monarchs lineup they are talented one through nine.Pitching wins championships and they have it.Understand that they didn't play everyone in Maryland but besides the metro league which to me wasn't as strong as past years there is not many other strong 18u teams.From what I've seen If there not number one they are in the top three.
As the parent of a player for last year's Monarchs, I can tell you that the coaches for that team absolutely do not spend their time reading the papers to learn who the all-county, region and metro kids are and then go off to recruit them. They are out there watching games, at camps, and who knows where else trying to put together the best team they can with the available talent. Bernie found my son at a camp and I am unbelievably grateful that he did. The opportunities that my son has had made available to him are beyond our wildest dreams. He plays for a high school where we have had no assistance at all; he has had a new coach each year, stats are not kept, coaches do not attend the meetings where players are nominated for all-county honors, coaches do not belong to the baseball coaches association -- I could go on and on. Playing for the Monarchs this past summer brought him tremendous opportunities in the fall and now a scholarship to a D1 school -- things just fell into place because he was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time and because the right pair of eyes fell upon him.
This is not only about Bernie -- the coaches who work with him are terrific as well -- but I know that neither my son nor I could ever appropriately express our gratitude for being given the opportunity to be a part of a program that showed us that there was another, higher level to which my son could aspire. We have been so incredibly lucky to have met the people we have met through playing with the Monarchs; my son has made friends for life -- and has developed a relationship with the young man with whom he will be rooming in college.
After having been through the Baltimore Metro League for several years and having had a significant amount of heartache and negativity, I look forward to the opportunity for my son to have one more year with the Monarchs before he leaves for college and begins another phase of his life.
It isn't only about the sport, but also about building character and allowing these boys to become men. The coaches on the Monarchs did that for my son. Consider yourself lucky if you get the chance to tag in.
This is not only about Bernie -- the coaches who work with him are terrific as well -- but I know that neither my son nor I could ever appropriately express our gratitude for being given the opportunity to be a part of a program that showed us that there was another, higher level to which my son could aspire. We have been so incredibly lucky to have met the people we have met through playing with the Monarchs; my son has made friends for life -- and has developed a relationship with the young man with whom he will be rooming in college.
After having been through the Baltimore Metro League for several years and having had a significant amount of heartache and negativity, I look forward to the opportunity for my son to have one more year with the Monarchs before he leaves for college and begins another phase of his life.
It isn't only about the sport, but also about building character and allowing these boys to become men. The coaches on the Monarchs did that for my son. Consider yourself lucky if you get the chance to tag in.
mcozart...great post! glad things have worked out so well for your son.
Before we lose focus I want to interject something I think we can all be proud of. Maryland through teams like the Monarchs, the Reds, the Orioles, the Hartford Sox and I know there is more, but the bottom line we have done well sending quality kids to college, helping get drafted, and becoming quality individuals.
I am very proud of the kids from Maryland, and I know you are too. They have represented themselves well, and in some way, us coaches.
Let's not worry who is number 1, who coached who, let's focus on the thread as it started, TOP MD Prospects.
Enjoy the holidays everyone.
Al McCormick
http://www.mostvaluableplayer.biz
I am very proud of the kids from Maryland, and I know you are too. They have represented themselves well, and in some way, us coaches.
Let's not worry who is number 1, who coached who, let's focus on the thread as it started, TOP MD Prospects.
Enjoy the holidays everyone.
Al McCormick
http://www.mostvaluableplayer.biz
Regarding the top 100 ranking of Daniel Cropper and how that took place. We first saw him pitch in August at the PG Aflac showcase which was run in conjunction with the Aflac Classic. Over 250 scouts and college coaches also saw him there, including nearly every MLB Scouting Director. He looked very good and projects extremely well. That is what led to his being ranked so high. Note: We do the Baseball America rankings.
We first heard Cropper’s name from Dean Albany. Others confirmed his ability and we invited him. In the end, all those people were correct about him. One of those people was Bernie, Al might have been another.
Not to confuse people… We (PG) DID NOT FIND Daniel Cropper, we got the opportunity to see him pitch though.
On that very same day he became known on a national scale. Someone else deserves the credit for getting him to that point. Whether that was Al, Bernie, Dean, Bear or somebody else, I don’t know.
I just know the person who deserves the most credit for any of his success is Daniel Cropper himself and his ability. Just as it is in every other case.
We think there’s a good chance with his size and arm action that he could step it up a few more notches by this coming spring.
There’s a lot of real good baseball people in Maryland just as there are in most states. Don’t know who the best team is, but didn’t the Oriolanders win another National Championship (In PA) this past summer? Sorry, if I’m confused by all of this, just not familiar with some of the teams and how things are set up.
We first heard Cropper’s name from Dean Albany. Others confirmed his ability and we invited him. In the end, all those people were correct about him. One of those people was Bernie, Al might have been another.
Not to confuse people… We (PG) DID NOT FIND Daniel Cropper, we got the opportunity to see him pitch though.
On that very same day he became known on a national scale. Someone else deserves the credit for getting him to that point. Whether that was Al, Bernie, Dean, Bear or somebody else, I don’t know.
I just know the person who deserves the most credit for any of his success is Daniel Cropper himself and his ability. Just as it is in every other case.
We think there’s a good chance with his size and arm action that he could step it up a few more notches by this coming spring.
There’s a lot of real good baseball people in Maryland just as there are in most states. Don’t know who the best team is, but didn’t the Oriolanders win another National Championship (In PA) this past summer? Sorry, if I’m confused by all of this, just not familiar with some of the teams and how things are set up.
Mr. Cozart,
I certainly enjoyed having your son play in the 2005 Bear Classic at the Univ of Maryland.
A very talented and polite young and growing adult, and with quite a future ahead of him.
Mr. Thompson: And for a young person who has stated, on several occasions on this web site, the desire and wish to get involved again with Maryland amateur baseball (since our friend Paul Donovan tells me you have not been near or around a ball field let alone the 18U Columbia Reds in the past umpteen years), I will extend myself and suggest you should try to get back out there. Bottom Line: My friend Coach John, the founder of new Columbia Reds, should return from New Mexico and begin another new club in talent rich Howard County.
The Oriolanders, at the 20U level, compete every year at Johnstown PA in the National AAABA Tournament. The event in the 50's, 60's. 70's, 80's, and early 90's was well represented in both talent and the Mid-Atlantic MLB Scouting Association and MLB Scouting Bureau. The 18U Maryland Orioles compete over the summer in the 18U B-Metro league. Many of the 18U Maryland Orioles play for Oriolanders (founded by long-time friend and scout Coach Gilbert, and may he rest in peace, the reknown baseball great Walter Youse (founder of Balt Johnnies).
And for those that can remember back to the "D" Eastern Shore League, both Max Bishop and Tom Kibler (the only two Maryland Coaches in the BCS HoF) who supported Coach Youse in his start. And those who wish to go farther back, we may discuss the Dunn Family (Orioles owners)
yet that is another long winded blog.
Regards
Bear
I certainly enjoyed having your son play in the 2005 Bear Classic at the Univ of Maryland.
A very talented and polite young and growing adult, and with quite a future ahead of him.
Mr. Thompson: And for a young person who has stated, on several occasions on this web site, the desire and wish to get involved again with Maryland amateur baseball (since our friend Paul Donovan tells me you have not been near or around a ball field let alone the 18U Columbia Reds in the past umpteen years), I will extend myself and suggest you should try to get back out there. Bottom Line: My friend Coach John, the founder of new Columbia Reds, should return from New Mexico and begin another new club in talent rich Howard County.
The Oriolanders, at the 20U level, compete every year at Johnstown PA in the National AAABA Tournament. The event in the 50's, 60's. 70's, 80's, and early 90's was well represented in both talent and the Mid-Atlantic MLB Scouting Association and MLB Scouting Bureau. The 18U Maryland Orioles compete over the summer in the 18U B-Metro league. Many of the 18U Maryland Orioles play for Oriolanders (founded by long-time friend and scout Coach Gilbert, and may he rest in peace, the reknown baseball great Walter Youse (founder of Balt Johnnies).
And for those that can remember back to the "D" Eastern Shore League, both Max Bishop and Tom Kibler (the only two Maryland Coaches in the BCS HoF) who supported Coach Youse in his start. And those who wish to go farther back, we may discuss the Dunn Family (Orioles owners)
yet that is another long winded blog.
Regards
Bear
Bear,
Thanks for that background info on the Oriolanders. We didn't know the history of that program. In our involvement with that organization over the past several years, it's always been Dean that we talk to.
Guess I didn't even know they were a 21 U team. Didn't Adenhart, Erbe, and several other of the top high school kids in Maryland play for him?
I'm sorry, I see you did cover that in your post. Thanks!
Thanks for that background info on the Oriolanders. We didn't know the history of that program. In our involvement with that organization over the past several years, it's always been Dean that we talk to.
Guess I didn't even know they were a 21 U team. Didn't Adenhart, Erbe, and several other of the top high school kids in Maryland play for him?
I'm sorry, I see you did cover that in your post. Thanks!
the oriolanders are a fall team only, coached by dean albany. the team is made up of kids going into 12th grade the following spring. some 11th graders play if they are deemed worthy.
the orioles are albanys 20 and under summer team, who compete in the cal ripken league[a second year 22 and under league].
each team has far different goals. the fall team helps place kids in college and is a showcase team exclusively. the summer teams goal yearly is to win the 20/under title in johnstown pa, which they have done more than any other program in the country.
both teams are always very good. the summer team brings kids in from everywhere in the nation, while the fall team is for the most part made up of maryland players.
the orioles are albanys 20 and under summer team, who compete in the cal ripken league[a second year 22 and under league].
each team has far different goals. the fall team helps place kids in college and is a showcase team exclusively. the summer teams goal yearly is to win the 20/under title in johnstown pa, which they have done more than any other program in the country.
both teams are always very good. the summer team brings kids in from everywhere in the nation, while the fall team is for the most part made up of maryland players.
daniel is a senior at snow hill hs, i student teach there. Hes a righty throws upper 80's to 90's. Talkd to him the other day says he has topped out at 93 before, signed letter of intent to go to uncw
Speaking of Baseball America> Someone just mentioned on another board that the college pre-season all-american teams have just been announced. Just thought inquiring minds would like to know.
Shepster
Shepster